New Revised Standard Version
For there was a command from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as was required every day.

Contemporary English Version
though the daily choice of music and musicians was decided by royal decree of the Persian king.

New American Bible
for they had been appointed by royal decree, and there was a fixed schedule for the singers assigning them their daily duties.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For the king's commandment was concerning them, and an order among the singing men day by day.

For the king's commandment was concerning them, and an order among the singing men day by day.

the king's.

1 Chronicles 9:33 These are the chief of the singing men of the families of the Levites, who dwelt in the chambers, by the temple, that they might serve continually day and night in their ministry.

Ezra 6:8,9 I also have commanded what must be done by those ancients of the Jews, that the house of God may be built, to wit, that of the king's chest, that is, of the tribute that is paid out of the country beyond the river, the charges be diligently given to those men, lest the work be hindered. . . .

Ezra 7:20-24 And whatsoever more there shall be need of for the house of thy God, how much soever thou shalt have occasion to spend, it shall be given out of the treasury, and the king's exchequer, and by me. . . .

a certain portion.